The Spanish government's unilateral ban on calf imports from Ireland was discussed by the Fine Gael leader, Mr John Bruton, and the EU Agriculture Commissioner, Mr Franz Fischler, when they met at the European People's Party summit in Spain last week.
Mr Bruton also spoke to the Spanish Agriculture Minister, Mr Jesus Posada, to whom he expressed his disquiet over the so-called "health decree" against Irish cattle imports, which laid down new rules about specific "risk material" which went well beyond accepted norms in other EU member-states.
The Spanish health authorities introduced the ban on imports from a number of states which they deemed to be sources of BSE.
Mr Bruton said there were grounds for optimism that action would be taken to end the embargo.
He understood the EU intended to carry out an investigation of the Spanish decree. The ensuing report would then be used by the Commission as the basis for having the issue formally considered at the next Farm Council.